Mo. jobless rate hits lowest point since 2008

The unemployment rate in Missouri dropped two-tenths of a point in December to 5.9 percent, its lowest point since June 2008.

Cold and wet weather came into play to affect nonfarm payroll employment last month, particularly in the construction industry, which lost 4,200 jobs. Offsetting losses were increases in industries including professional and business services, which added 3,900 jobs, and administrative, support and waste management services, which rose by 2,400, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

The U.S. unemployment rate dropped three tenths of a point to 6.7 percent in December.